1. Understand the specialized role of a neonatal nurse
Neonatal nurses possess the knowledge and training in neonatology to care for babies from the time of birth until they are discharged from the hospital.
According to the National Association of Neonatal Nurses (NANN), survival rates of babies born prematurely or who become ill after birth are 10 times better today than they were 15 years ago, thanks to medical advances and the efforts of the physicians, surgeons and NICU nurses who care for them.
Is becoming a neonatal nurse the right career choice for you? If you have an affinity for babies and a calm, confident demeanor , you might be an ideal candidate to be a difference-maker for infants and their families.
There are many different types of nurses you can become, including other options working with children, such as becoming a pediatric nurse or labor and delivery nurse. You can take our nursing personality quiz to determine what kind of nursing is best for you.
Where do neonatal nurses work?
Neonatal nurses typically end up working in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) of a clinic, hospital or medical center. The level of care you’ll be responsible for administering will depend on the type of facility where you’re employed.
For example, if you work in a Level II NICU in a community hospital, your infant patients will likely require help with breathing, feeding or with medications. If you get hired as a neonatal nurse at larger medical center or children’s hospital, you’ll likely work in a Level III NICU where your patients require far more sophisticated care. In some instances, you may be required to provide home care or follow-up visits to high-risk patients.
What will your workdays be like as a neonatal nurse?
Because of the fragile systems and round-the-clock needs your patients in the NICU will require, most neonatal nurses can expect to work 8 to 12-hour shifts. Weekends and holidays will also factor into your work schedule.
A typical day will have you providing highly specialized care for premature babies and very ill newborns. They may require anything from respiratory care to being fed through an IV to ensure their bodies become strong enough to sustain themselves and increase their chances of survival. On any given day, you may also be tasked with:
- Keeping infants clean, warm and comfortable.
- Monitoring vital signs like respiration and body temperature.
- Weighing and measuring infants until they are discharged to go home.
- Formulating neonatal nursing care plans with other healthcare providers on your team, including neonatologists and doctors.
- Assessing, planning and implementing treatment.
- Administering medication.
- Working with modern, lifesaving technology and performing complex procedures.
- Providing comfort, education and reassurance to concerned parents and family members.
- Performing CPR and basic life support should it become necessary.
How much can you make as a neonatal nurse?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average wage for registered nurses is $94,480 per year ($45.42 per hour).* Pay varies based on many factors such as years of experience, the type of healthcare facility, your specialty in nursing and the state in which you practice.
Registered nurses with specializations such as neonatal/NICU care require higher levels of training and experience—and have the potential to earn an above average salary.
What is the current job market for neonatal nurses?
The field of nursing overall is growing. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a growth rate of 6% from 2022-2032 for registered nurses.* That’s good to know if you’re planning on becoming a neonatal nurse, but keep in mind the BLS also reports employers may prefer candidates with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), relevant work experience and certification in their chosen area of specialization, neonatal nursing included.
